Wednesday, September 17, 2008

changing changes to change change

We need to change the way we think about change. Sustained change may begin with actions, checklists, and tools, but must evolve to adopt a fundamentally different identity. Rather than think about change tools or programs, we should be thinking about changing identities...

Change requires letting go of an old identity. To forgo and let an old identity die requires clarity about what has to change, candor about the need for change, and courage to make the change happen...

Sustained change takes time. But actions that sustain change may be done in predictable ways. Leaders may follow a four 3s methodology to help move people from desiring a change to actually doing it.

· 3 hours: What can I do in the next three hours to make progress on this initiative? · 3 days: What can I do in the next three days to make progress on this initiative? · 3 weeks: What can I do in the next three weeks to sustain progress on this initiative? · 3 months: What can I do in the next three months to demonstrate progress on this initiative?

The four 3s allow leaders to make sure that the change starts now, but continues. It allows leaders to have a dialogue with those in change to see if the change is actually occurring in short, specific ways that lead to longer term success.